In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, Corey Perry is set to don a new jersey next season—one belonging to a fierce Pacific Division rival. After two memorable years with the Edmonton Oilers, including back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, Perry’s decision to sign with the Los Angeles Kings has left fans and analysts alike questioning the veteran’s motives and the Oilers’ next steps.

With Edmonton’s front office working tirelessly to free up cap space and target marquee free agents, few could have predicted that Perry would opt for a dramatic change, especially after becoming such a key figure in the Oilers’ recent playoff runs. As the dust settles on this unexpected free agency twist, all eyes are now on how both teams will adjust and whether Perry’s bold move will pay off in his pursuit of one more shot at hockey’s greatest prize.

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Corey Perry was expected to return to Edmonton in free agency, but now, it appears as though he’s headed to a key division rival in Los Angeles.

The Edmonton Oilers have spent the past week clearing up salary cap space for a big move, but on day one of free agency, arguably their biggest target in Brock Boeser has decided to re-sign in Vancouver.

That may have been a tough loss for the team, with many hoping they could land the former 40-goal scorer, but in doing so, the expectation was that they would pivot back to veteran Corey Perry.

Now, after two years with the team, he has decided to move on in free agency, and not only that, to sign with a key divisional rival in the Los Angeles Kings just weeks after playing in the Stanley Cup Finals with the Oilers.

According to all reports, Perry has signed a deal with LA to become a key piece of their top nine alongside an already talented team, although many have questioned the move to leave Edmonton after reaching back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in the past two seasons.

Now for Edmonton, this leaves them in a tough spot, as there’s very few impact forwards remaining on the market, and after moving Viktor Arvidsson, this is a team with money to spend on potential key wingers.

We will ultimately see how this plays out in the Pacific Division this season, but it’s safe to say this is a confusing move from Perry, as he may now have to face Edmonton in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but at 40-years of age, it’s safe to say that he believes this is the best overall move for his career.